Job of the Week: Undergraduate Program Secretary

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This week’s featured job is an Undergraduate Program Secretary for the College of Nursing (job posting 10033616). The College of Nursing advances the health of individuals, communities, and populations through inclusive and equitable nursing education, research, scholarship, and practice. 

In this position, you will provide secretarial support in the Office of Academic Affairs for the Undergraduate Program, its leadership team, and faculty with undergraduate teaching responsibilities. You will primarily support the Assistant Dean and Undergraduate Program Coordinator in the Office of Academic Affairs. 

In order to support faculty associated with the undergraduate program, you will draft syllabi, order textbooks and office supplies, process reimbursements, maintain files, make travel arrangements, maintain calendars, sort mail, post web documents, and interact with faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, you may have supervisory oversight over students employed in the College of Nursing. This position has the potential for remote work ability for up to 2 days a week. The Undergraduate Secretary is also expected to uphold the values of the College of Nursing including their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

The ideal candidate will have knowledge normally acquired through a high school education and three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience. Knowledge of the university policies and procedures, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently with little oversight is desired.
To learn more, visit the College of Nursing website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references on the MSU Careers website by March 12.

A women with grey hair and a green blouse writing on a whiteboard.

Fostering Excellence: Continuous Learning and Educational Assistance for MSU Support Staff

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Written by Sharri Margraves, EdD, SHRM-SCP, Director of HR and Organization and Professional Development

Michigan State University stands as a beacon of educational excellence, not only for its students but also for its dedicated support staff. At the heart of MSU’s commitment to fostering a culture of growth and development is the twin approach of continuous learning and educational assistance benefits tailored for support staff.

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of personal and professional development, and MSU recognizes its transformative power. For support staff, engaging in ongoing education and using it on the job brings many benefits to the individual and helps create a dynamic and adaptable workforce that contributes significantly to the university’s success.

  • Career Advancement: Continuous learning helps us open doors to career advancement opportunities. MSU staff have access to many professional development opportunities, from workshops to specialized training sessions, allowing us to enhance our skills in preparation for future positions. Educational Assistance is available for non-credit opportunities such as conferences, seminars, and credit opportunities for those interested.
  • Enhanced Job Performance: Staying current with industry trends and best practices is essential for optimal job performance. MSU’s commitment to continuous learning ensures that staff are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, directly impacting their ability to excel in their roles and contribute to the university’s operational excellence. Individuals can chart their own path using educational assistance or elevateU, the free on-demand source for technical and essential skill development and certification prep.
  • Increased Engagement: Continuous learning fosters a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction with a person’s job, and while resources are always slim—supporting continuous learning is essential for supervisors. Staff who feel supported in their educational pursuits are more likely to experience higher engagement, leading to a positive work environment and a deepened commitment to MSU’s mission.
  • Adaptability to Change: Adaptability is a key attribute in the ever-evolving professional landscape. Continuous learning instills resilience and the ability to navigate change effectively. Those empowered to participate in ongoing education will be well-positioned to embrace new challenges and contribute to the university’s culture of innovation.

Educational Assistance Programs

MSU exemplifies its commitment to the educational journey of support staff through robust educational assistance programs designed to remove financial barriers to learning. Please review your employee contract for specific details.

  • Tuition Assistance Programs:
    • The Tuition Assistance Program at MSU is a testament to the university’s commitment to making education accessible. Staff can pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees with financial support, aligning their educational aspirations with their career goals. Attending MSU credit-granting programs means you will receive a waiver upfront on the cost of tuition.
    • Tuition for non-MSU degree programs provides reimbursement according to your contract.
  • Non-Credit Assistance:
    • Each employee group can take programs offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development or IT Services, non-credit programs, seminars, and conferences. Most staff employee groups have $800 or$900 available annually for non-credit programs. APA members can utilize this amount toward credit classes.

How to access:

Log into the EBS Portal, select My Career and Training from the top navigation, and then select the tile for Courses for Employees at MSU (HR or IT Services classes), elevateU, or Educational Assistance System.

  • Programs run on an academic calendar in general, adjusting for variances in start/stop dates.
  • Beginning January 2024, APA and APSA employees are eligible for these benefits at the time of hire.

For more information: 

MSU’s unwavering commitment to continuous learning and educational assistance for staff reflects a dedication to fostering a community of excellence. By investing in the growth and development of its employees, MSU not only enriches individual lives but also ensures the continued success and vibrancy of the entire university. Through continuous learning and educational assistance, MSU empowers its staff to excel in their roles, contribute meaningfully to the institution, and embark on a journey of lifelong learning.

Sources:

Photo by David Tett via Centre for Ageing Better

Don’t Miss Out on These Exclusive Spring Break Discounts!

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Spring Break for many area schools is quickly approaching. Before finalizing your plans, review your exclusive employee discounts through MSU Benefits Plus to determine if any may be useful to your family.

To access all the discounts, visit the MSU Benefits Plus website and log in or sign up for a free account.

Travel

National Car Rental: Enjoy up to 20% off your reservation rate when booking through our exclusive link. Discount automatically applied with the link. 

Tickets at Work: Go somewhere new in 2024 with up to 60% off exclusive hotel rates at top destinations worldwide. 

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 20% off the best available rooms at participating hotels worldwide.

Entertainment

Premium Seats USA: Save 10% on ticket purchases to professional and collegiate sporting events, including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, golf, auto racing, wrestling and more when you use promo code CORESTREAM. 

Tiqets: Save over 40% on Museums worldwide. Access top museums across the country and around the world! Save an additional 10% at checkout, just for MSU Employees!

Restaurant.com: Get 20% off all certificates. Explore new restaurants, save at old favorites or enjoy quality takeout meals. 

Find these savings as well as many other discounts by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus website. The MSU Benefits Plus Customer Care Team is available to answer questions at 888-758-7575.

Campus Deals

Wharton: Discounts are given to Wharton Center subscribers and occasional 10-15% discounts on select performances are given to MSU employees.

Munn Ice Arena: Save on public skating during spring break. Employees receive discounted rates with valid MSU ID. The next public skating day is Saturday, March 30 from 4:30-6:40 p.m.

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center: Thinking about a staycation? MSU Employees can receive special hotel accommodation rates when making reservations. A valid MSU employee ID may be required at check-in.

Job of the Week: Communications Manager I

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This week’s job of the week is for a Communications Manager I position in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics within the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (job posting 932698). The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE), one of the leading applied economics departments in the U.S., is ranked #1 in the world in the global ranking of agricultural and applied economics departments. The Food Security Group within AFRE is a self-organized team established in the early 1980s that works with local partners in developing countries to carry out empirically based policy-oriented scholarly research, engagement, and capacity-building focused on problems of global food security.

This job includes but is not limited to cooperating closely with the co-directors and other faculty of AFRE’s Food Security Group (FSG) to write, edit, and create materials (including video) on the activities and outputs of grant-funded international projects suitable for a variety of audiences. There is a strong emphasis on digital communications using the web, content management systems, and social media platforms. There is also the opportunity to travel to project sites in developing countries and to engage with communications specialists in partner organizations in those countries.

The desired candidate will be a self-starter with an outgoing personality who feels comfortable positively representing a team. Ideally, this position is best suited for a team player who can also work independently in a fast-paced environment, make sound decisions, and prioritize tasks effectively. Attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills are desired.

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree in journalism, telecommunications, or public relations. One to three years of experience in public relations, marketing, graphic design, web design, publication production, and social media management is required. A background in social sciences and/or agriculture and natural resources is desired but not required to apply.

If you’re interested in applying, please learn more about the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics within the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and apply for this position by March 19.

"You are Spartans of Something Bigger" over the Spartan Helmet, next to the Beaumont Tower in Spring.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day

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Happy Employee Appreciation Day! The university’s over 20,000 faculty and staff help make Michigan State University a leader in education and research. Your contributions are part of something bigger. Please enjoy this message of gratitude from Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina Brogdon.

Happy Leap Day!

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Leap Day gives you an extra 24 hours once every four years. So, what are you going to do on your extra day? Here are a few ideas:

  • Stop by the MSU Dairy Store for a sweet treat to celebrate 2024 having 366 days.
  • Take a scenic walk along the Red Cedar or the Lansing River Trail – by yourself or with a friend.
  • Organize your house, email inbox, or your mind. Take this time to sort through all of the tasks you may have been pushing to the side.
  • Try something new! During these few extra hours you can stargaze, listen to a new album, try out a new recipe, or go rock climbing. 

Have a great Leap Day!

March Events Round-Up

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Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events 

March 1-17– The REDress Project Exhibition: the MSU Museum and its campus partners will host the REDress Project, an evocative art installation that spotlights the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. This striking exhibition features approximately 60 red dresses suspended along West Circle Drive in public spaces near the MSU Museum and Beal Botanical Garden, symbolizing the haunting absence and powerful presence of these women and girls. A reception will take place on March 8, International Women’s Day, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Green Room (4th floor, West) at the MSU Libraries. Please RSVP for the reception.

March 9- Step Afrika! At the Wharton Center: Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional West and Southern African dances, and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website. 

March 9 – April 14 – APIDA Heritage Month Events: Michigan State University recognizes Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, or APIDA, Heritage Month each year to celebrate the group’s diverse identities, histories, and cultures. APIDA Heritage Month is recognized nationally in May when most students are no longer on campus. MSU observes APIDA Heritage Month events this year between March 9 and April 14 while students are on campus and can connect with each other.

March 18 – 30 — Las Alas Invisibles: The Unseen Wings: Join the exhibition reception to celebrate MSU’s migrant farmworker and farmer community on March 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MSU Union Art Gallery (2nd floor). Timed with National Farmworker Awareness Week and MSU’s CĂ©sar Chávez and Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration, the exhibition traces the migration of monarch butterflies and migrant farmworker labor from the fields to higher education.

March 20- Artist Talks: 2024 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition (free): Join MSU Department of Art, Art History, and Design Master of Fine Arts degree candidates Shirin Abedinirad, Gustavo Uriel Ayala, Emily J. Burkhead, Adeline Newmann, and Patrick N. Taylor as they discuss their work included in the 2024 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition, on view from Mar. 9–May 26, 2024 at the MSU Broad Art Museum. Register here. 

March 25- 2024 MSU CĂ©sar Chávez & Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration (free): Each year, the Michigan State University, Greater Lansing, and East Lansing communities gather at MSU to honor the legacy of two of the most prominent U.S. labor leaders and civil rights activists, CĂ©sar E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta. This event will feature a keynote speaker and workshops followed by a dinner. Registration for this free event is encouraged. 

Family-Friendly Activities

March 2- Family Day: Connect: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. All ages are welcome. Registration for this free event is encouraged.

March 12- Kids Crafternoon at the East Lansing Public Library (free): Join the East Lansing Public Library for a casual craft activity, featuring a simple craft project each week and supplies to do it. 

March 17- Sensory Friendly Show at Abrams Planetarium (free): The Abrams Planetarium offers sensory friendly shows on the third Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 

March 23- Bug Day at the East Lansing Public Library (free): Come to the Library during this open-house style event to enjoy a variety of interactive activities exploring the science of arthropods (“bugs” like insects, arachnids, and more). Join MSU STEM Ambassador Dr. Christina Miller and East Lansing Public Library’s STEAM Educator Dr. B for a fun-filled exploration of bugs. 

Health and Wellness

March Tuesdays: Informal Mindfulness Course (free): This class will teach you some basic, informal mindfulness skills that can help you center and find a sense of balance while you move through your busy days. Registration is required for each online session. 

March 6- Wellbeing Through Divorce: Insights and Strategies: This virtual seminar, featuring Anne Conlon, will discuss the process of divorce and tools and strategies to support wellbeing through this pivotal life transition. Registration is required for this webinar.

March 11: Encore Presentation: Workplace Wellbeing: This session will explore opportunities to infuse health and wellbeing into the daily work routine and the resources available through MSU’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Registration is required for this free webinar.

March 12, 19, 26: Chair Yoga (free): Chair Yoga adapts some of the traditional poses of yoga to be done seated, or while standing and using the chair for support. Stretching, reaching, bending, and breathing – and no mat required! Registration is required for each free session. 

March 20- Wellness Wednesday: Cold-Hardy Planting (free): Embrace the Spring Equinox and celebrate the changing seasons with the Beal Botanical Garden and MSU Museum. This workshop invites you to extend your garden’s growing season by delving into the world of cold-hardy vegetables and sustainable planting techniques. Registration for this free event is recommended.

Learning Opportunities

March Fridays- Financial Fridays: Learn about investing in retirement, MESP 529 Plans, and estate planning from field professionals every Friday in March. In-person and online registration is available on the WorkLife Office website. 

March 13- Women’s Networking Association – Networking Breakfast – Women’s History Month Celebration (free): In honor of Women’s History Month, The Women’s Networking Association welcomes you to their Networking Breakfast from 8:00am – 10:00am. Join us for a networking presentation by Shelley Davis Boyd, breakfast and an opportunity to network and connect with others at MSU. Registration for this event is required. 

March 19- Attracting and Retaining Values Based Employees Seminar: This session will offer insights into what employees value, the importance of flexibility, support for caregivers, and the importance of investing in the mental health and wellbeing of employees. Join Sherri Reese, Jake Lathrop, and Rachel Perez by registering for this online event. 

March 26- Finding Time: Time Management Strategies for Busy Professionals (free): While we can’t borrow or bottle time, this class will explore strategies to more efficiently allocate our minutes, streamline workflow, and relieve some pressure in the process. Registration is recommended for this online session. 

Job of the Week: Support and Intake Coordinator

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This week’s featured job is a Support and Intake Coordinator with the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance (OCR) (job posting 931121). The OCR supports the campus community in creating and maintaining a safe environment and a culture of respect through educating all campus community members regarding how to prevent, identify, appropriately respond to, and report discrimination.

Your primary responsibilities will include case management and the coordination of support and campus resource referrals for MSU community members. Using trauma-informed and inclusive communication, you will receive and respond to reports of harassment and discrimination (including sexual misconduct) by phone, in-person, and/or virtual or digital platforms. You will also assess reported information for applicable potential policy violations.

This position will offer campus and partner support by developing public-facing resource materials to support the process and provide transparency. You will also identify and collaborate with key campus partners to develop inter-office protocols for specific types of supportive measures. You will represent the office through service on university committees as well as develop internal protocols and processes to improve the efficiency and consistency of the process. This work includes the preparation of case reports and ongoing development related to Civil Rights and Higher Education. 

Desired qualifications for this position include knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing one to two years of college or an Associate’s degree program in business, psychology, social work, criminal justice or a related field. Three to five years of related working experience in coordinating needs and services, collecting information and maintaining data collection is also recommended. 

To learn more, visit the OCR website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to the MSU Careers website by March 12. 

Job of the Week: Solutions Center Aide

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This week’s featured job is a temporary/on-call position for a Professional Aide in the MSU Human Resources (HR) Solutions Center (job posting 931311). The HR Solutions Center provides customer service and supports many of the day to day basic human resources needs of MSU units and their faculty, staff, and students. 

In this position, you will perform transactional tasks in various HR systems, such as the HR payroll system and/or applicant tracking system, by applying business rules, data rules, payroll processing rules, policies, and union contractual requirements. You will be expected to explain and apply federal and state laws, union contracts, and university policies and procedures to provide information and resolve issues for MSU units, departments, employees, and retirees. 

You will help maintain HR databases and other types of HR records, including employee records in the HR payroll system, job posting records in the applicant tracking system, criminal background check information in relevant systems, compliance information in Equifax and more. You will also perform research, special project support, and education functions in the area of compliance with employment eligibility policies and laws (CBC, I-9, etc.). 

Desired qualifications for this role include being adaptable, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated with at least six months work experience in an HR-specific role. Substantial knowledge or experience using some of the HR-related systems currently used by MSU Human Resources is desired but not required (SAP/EBS, PageUp, Equifax, HireRight, Image Now, I-Chat). Familiarity with MSU employment policies and contracts is also desired. 
To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for this temporary/on-call position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the Careers at MSU website by February 27.

Tips and Benefit Resources for Heart Health

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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, which refers to several conditions including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve problems, results in one death every 33 seconds (CDC, 2023). 

It’s important to note that cardiovascular disease is no longer something people only have to worry about as they get older. The CDC states, “In 2021, about 2 in 10 deaths from CAD happened in adults less than 65 years old” (CDC, 2023). 

The good news is cardiovascular disease is largely preventable by living a healthy lifestyle. The following tips and MSU benefit resources will help keep you and your family healthy: 

  • Know Your Numbers: Take charge of your health by knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels and take steps to improve them if needed. 
    • Schedule your annual wellness check-up. Many miss their annual check-up because they forget or don’t prioritize it. It’s important to schedule your annual visit so your doctor can check these numbers, along with other important health metrics. If you’re enrolled in an MSU health plan, you can learn more about your plan and find links to find a provider on the HR website. 
    • Use Livongo by Teladoc Health for Diabetes Management.  Livongo is a diabetes management program that provides unlimited test strips, connected meter, optional coaching, online records, and more – all FREE for MSU employees and their eligible dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Learn more about Livongo and how to sign up. 
  • Support Your Mental Health: According to the American Heart Association, “Increasing evidence shows that biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues may also influence heart disease” (AHA, 2023). These chemical changes can predispose people to other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease. Utilize these resources to support your mental health: 
  • Evaluate Your Diet: Eating foods that are high in salt, sugar, saturated, and/or trans fats can cause high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 
    • Eat a Plant-Forward (Plant-Based) Diet. Make sure the majority of your calories come from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts/seeds (American Heart Association, 2023). If you must eat dairy and/or meat, look for low-fat, lean, and unprocessed options. The AHA recommends a list of the best plant-based sources of protein and offers insight on protein and heart health. 
    • Beware Unexpected Sources of Sodium. The top ten sources of sodium in the American diet include some unexpected items, including bread, sandwiches, cold cuts, chicken, cheese, and eggs (CDC, 2023). 
    • Food and Nutrition Counseling for MSU Employees. MSU Health4U offers one-on-one counseling with a registered dietitian (a doctor’s referral is not required). 
  • Get Regular Physical Activity: The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week – that’s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. 
    • This comprehensive fitness assessment for MSU employees will help you determine your current level of fitness. Based on your unique results, a SPARTANfit staff member will work with you to establish a tailored 3-month goal-oriented fitness and wellness plan. 
    • A functional movement screen consists of seven movement assessments designed to identify areas of imbalances and asymmetries by testing your mobility and stability. A certified professional will lead you through the assessment and then provide you with corrective exercises to implement.   
    • Spartan Wellness Personal Training: Consultation includes a discussion of scores, norms, goal setting, educational material, and an individualized exercise program. 
    • Make fitness part of your regular commute with these bike commuter resources from MSU Bikes.  
  • Quit Smoking. Smoking harms almost every part of the body, including your heart (AHA, 2023). It’s never too late to quit and there are both short- and long-term benefits to giving up smoking. 

Sources: 

American Heart Association (2024, January 19) American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults    

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How can I quit smoking? Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/how-can-i-quit-smoking.pdf  

American Heart Association (2023, December 20). How does plant-forward (plant-based) eating benefit your health?  Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-does-plant-forward-eating-benefit-your-health  

American Heart Association (2022, May 6). Smoking both traditional and e-cigarettes may carry same heart risks as Cigarettes alone. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/05/06/smoking-both-traditional-and-e-cigarettes-may-carry-same-heart-risks-as-cigarettes-alone   

American Heart Association (2024, January 10). What is cardiovascular disease?  Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 15). About heart disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, June 6). About Sodium. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/salt/food.htm   

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 15). Heart disease facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm